AOTA members receive the biweekly OT Practice Pulse e-newsletter where we share resources and news from AOTA and other sources that directly affect occupational therapy practice—curated just for members! Here on the Checking the Pulse blog, I will share even more relevant and interesting news, videos, blogs, and more.

I read hundreds of articles about health, wellness, and policy every week to find the most engaging and enlightening content for you. Blog readers can stay in the know, go beyond the news, and find out how the latest health news affect occupational therapy.

AOTA's Checking the Pulse blog is written by digital editor Stephanie Yamkovenko who reads hundreds of health and policy articles weekly to find the most engaging and enlightening content. Go beyond the news and learn how it affects OT.

Back to School Tips for School-Based OTs and Parents

Whether you already started school or you’re headed back soon, we have lots of resources to share. OT bloggers have been sharing their tips and ideas for school-based occupational therapists and we’ve also found a ton of back-to-school ideas to share with parents.

If this happens to be your first school year, Mama OT has you covered with a long list of tips that she’s gathered during her 3 years working in the school system. Christie is covering the basics and the most important things you need to know—like building relationships with aides and not rushing into treating students right away. (Even seasoned OTs might find these helpful!).

Abby at OT Café asked Mama OT what she has in her (school-based) therapy bag. She’s found so many ways to use something simple and cheap—ping pong balls! Check it out.

Tips you can share with parents:

Those morning routines are about to get a bit more hectic for families as kids start school again. Share AOTA’s morning routines tip sheet to help families be prepared for the change in routines.

Also, getting ready in the morning would be a lot easier if children can dress themselves. Lucky for parents, the Inspired Treehouse has a list of ideas on helping children to learn this very important self care skill. The chart of what children should be able to do on their own based on age would be really helpful for parents.